LSAT Explanation PT 45, S4, Q21: Etiquette firmly opposes both obscene and
LSAT Question Stem
Which one of the following judgments most closely corresponds to the principles of etiquette stated above?
Logical Reasoning Question Type
This is a Principle (Misc) question.
Correct Answer
The correct answer to this question is E.
LSAT Question Complete Explanation
The question type for this problem is Must Be True (MBT), which means we need to find the answer choice that logically follows from the information provided in the passage.
The passage discusses the relationship between etiquette and offensive speech. It states that etiquette opposes obscene and malicious talk but does not necessarily restrict the expression of offensive ideas. Instead, etiquette dictates that there are appropriate situations for expressing potentially offensive, disturbing, or controversial ideas, and when done so, it should be in a civil manner.
To find the correct answer, we need to look for a choice that adheres to these principles of etiquette:
1. Etiquette opposes obscene and malicious speech.
2. Etiquette allows for civil discussion of potentially offensive ideas in the proper forum.
Let's analyze each answer choice:
Answer choice (A): This choice might reflect an aspect of etiquette, but it does not specifically address the principles related to potentially offensive ideas or language discussed in the passage. Therefore, it is not the correct answer.
Answer choice (B): This choice does not relate to the etiquette principles discussed in the passage, as courtroom ideas are not necessarily offensive. Thus, this choice is incorrect.
Answer choice (C): The passage does not suggest that etiquette should be governed by "majority rule" or that there should be any legal restrictions on free speech. Therefore, this choice does not correspond to the principles discussed in the passage and is incorrect.
Answer choice (D): A news conference is an appropriate forum for asking politicians relevant questions, as long as they are asked in a civil manner. This choice does not necessarily correspond to the principles discussed in the passage, as a question itself is not necessarily offensive or embarrassing even if the underlying topic may be offensive.
Answer choice (E): This is the correct answer. The principle of etiquette in the passage opposes obscene, malicious, or uncivil speech, and name-calling is likely malicious and definitely uncivil. Since this response establishes the context as a panel on a "divisive moral issue," the ideas expressed may be potentially offensive and definitely controversial. Therefore, the moderator would be correct in disallowing name-calling under the principles in the passage.